Re: James Abernathy and Elizabeth Cox

I am quite aware of all these wills.I've been doing research on the Abernathy/Abernethy family since the 1980's. I apologize for saying James Abernathy was a witness.My goodness, you are as grouchy as Elizabeth. (I admit Elizabeth is so right that the Abernathy's weren't rich or royalty.) So you are saying this James Abernathy died in 1785 so he wasn't mentioned on the 1772 will Robert composed (hope I'm using the right technology).Even so, if he was Robert's son, I would think he would be mentioned on the will even if he died before Robert's will was probated. Who was the David Abernethy?

I am descended from Miles (& Ursula) Abernathy's brother, Charles & Barbara Cobb.They were neighbors of Miles.I live on the old Abernathy/Abernethy property in Lincoln County, N.C.My family has never left the area and some of the old farms are still in existence.In fact, there is a graveyard (approximately 70)behind my house that a local historian says was there prior to the Civil War.There are no gravestones but some have field stones.She says it is more likely the graveyard of the church that once stood in this area.Peter and Nancy Abernathy Forney are buried not far from my house in the family graveyard.

The Robert Abernathy family that Arvord Abernethy wrote a book on is from the Unity Presbyterian/Cowan's Ford area of Lincoln County, N.C.I haven't had time to really document these people but I know they were the ones that went to Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, etc.

I too am writing a book but don't think I will ever get it finished before I die.I started notebooks on each child mentioned in the 1772 will and every time I get information that places their descendents to that child (concrete), I place it in the notebook.I then put it on my data base. I refuse to publish any of this until I'm sure I have evidence/proof.Elizabeth Ferguson has posted some good information under her DNA website which is legal documents and it helps to have court records like you posted to do research.It has become easier and easier to do this without traveling from courthouse to courthouse since the internet is a great place to research now.